No. 351 - Surrendering After Salvation Is Received

Responding to God's Gift of Salvation

Surrendering After Salvation Is Received 

Revelation 2:10

"Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." 

Prayer 

Heavenly Father, as I reflect on the call to be faithful even in the face of trials, help me to understand the importance of surrendering daily to You after receiving salvation. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

Background 

The book of Revelation was written by the Apostle John while he was exiled on the island of Patmos. In Revelation 2, Jesus sends messages to the seven churches, including the church in Smyrna, encouraging them to remain faithful despite the persecution they were facing. The specific verse for today, Revelation 2:10, is a call to endure suffering with the promise of eternal life for those who remain faithful until the end. This passage emphasises the importance of perseverance and unwavering commitment to Christ even after salvation is received.

Be Encouraged 

After receiving salvation, the journey of faith continues with daily surrender to Christ. Just as a soldier remains vigilant after enlisting, Christians must continue to grow in their relationship with God. The new life in Christ begins at baptism, where we are added to the church (Acts 2:47) and rise to walk in "newness of life" (Romans 6:4). This new life requires daily dedication to Christ, which includes growing in Christian character, increasing in knowledge (2 Peter 1:5-10), and living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings.

Imagine a tree that continues to grow and bear fruit only when it is properly nourished. Similarly, Christians must continually nourish their faith by worshipping God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24) and by producing good works (John 15:2). If a tree stops receiving what it needs, it will wither; in the same way, if a Christian stops growing spiritually, their faith can weaken, leading to a loss of salvation (Hebrews 3:12). This is why it is crucial to remain faithful and committed, even when facing challenges.

Application 

Surrendering to Christ after receiving salvation means making Him and His church the most important parts of our lives. Ephesians 3:21 teaches that Christ deserves glory in the church, and Ephesians 5:25-27 reminds us that Christ loves the church and gave Himself for it. To remain faithful, we must continue to surrender to Christ by resisting sin and seeking forgiveness when we fall (1 John 1:9). It is through this daily commitment that we prepare ourselves for the Lord’s return and the reward of eternal life.

Invitation 

If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, I invite you to visit a nearby Church of Christ to learn more about the steps you need to take. Through faith (Hebrews 11:6), repentance from sin (Acts 2:38; 17:30-31), and baptism for the forgiveness of all past sins and your salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38), you will receive the gift of salvation. The Lord will add you to His church, where you will continue to grow in faith and learn more about God’s will (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:47). The Christian journey does not end with baptism; it is the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Christ. Be encouraged to surrender daily to Him, and share this message with others so they too can experience the joy of salvation.

Concluding Prayer 

Lord, I am grateful for the reminder that my journey with You continues every day after receiving salvation. Help me to remain faithful and dedicated, knowing that my reward is eternal life with You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

May the Lord bless your day.

 

Theodore J. Quist 

Evangelist 

Church of Christ 

Abokobi - Accra 

Ghana


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